Categories: Automotive|This Day

October 2, 1959 – The Aircooled American

The only mass produced, air cooled rear engined American car was introduced to the public on this day in 1959. The Chevrolet Corvair aimed to be an affordable commuter that would compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Beetle and numerous domestic compacts being introduced at the time, such as the Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant. The Corvair was a far cry from anything else coming out of Detroit in that era. Aside from its unusual running gear, a few of the standout differences were the Corvair’s complete lack of tail fins and a front end with no grille.

1961 Corvair 500 station wagon. By Josephew at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Corvair was championed by Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole, whom made the cover of Time Magazine, along with the car, just days after it debuted. After winning Car of the Year for 1960 from Motor Trend, the Corvair would fall into controversy, in part due to safety and handling concerns brought forth in Ralph Nader’s book, Unsafe at any Speed.

Corvair coupes, convertibles, wagons, sedans, trucks and vans would be produced through the 1969 model year.

A Corvair air cooled flat six.

Brian Corey

Recent Posts

October 31, 1957 – The Chevrolet Impala is announced

After debuting an Impala show car at the 1956 GM Motorama, Chevrolet used the name…

5 days ago

October 30, 1911 – Little Motor Car Company is founded, later becomes part of Chevrolet

The Little Motor Car Company, founded on October 30, 1911, in Flint, Michigan, is a…

5 days ago

October 29, 1932 – Safarikar builder Bruce Mohs is born

Bruce Mohs with his Opera Sedan following its restoration. (autobild.de) Perhaps you've heard of the…

1 week ago

October 28, 1977 – Tokyo Motor Show opens

First generation Daihatsu Charade. By Charles01 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 The annual Tokyo…

1 week ago

October 27, 1937 – Second generation Cadillac V-16 is introduced

1940 Cadillac V16 90 Town Car To build the ultimate automobile, Cadillac began development of…

1 week ago

October 26, 1966 – Toyota introduces what will become the best selling car ever, the Toyota Corolla

1966 Toyota Corolla debut (Toyota) The Toyota Corolla, one of the most iconic and enduring…

1 week ago